One to one talks

DURHAM V SUTTON

REUNION BEARS

This Rangers star admits he would love to see Kyle Lafferty back at Ibrox

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

Bobby Madden appointed as referee for Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Aberdeen

That doesn’t strike me as a team coming to the ‘end of its cycle’, as Pedro said on Monday.

It’s also strange in Scottish football to have a manager discussing another team’s players so publicly. It’s frowned upon and something that very rarely happens.

Inevitably, when a manager does speak publicly about another team, that team’s manager tells him to keep his views to himself.

So I can understand Derek’s response, because it does get under your skin.

Maybe in the countries where Pedro’s worked before, talking about other teams and players is common practice.

Culturally, I’m sure he doesn’t see anything wrong with being open about his admiration for Ryan Jack.

Nor do I think he’s been here long enough for it to be mind games on the eve of the clubs facing one another.

It would be hypocritical of me to comment on Pedro because I don’t know the man.

But I doubt if there’s any malice in what he said. He seems an outgoing guy who says what he thinks.

However, Aberdeen have been one of the most consistent sides in Scotland over the past few seasons and I’d suggest that will continue to be the case.

Maybe Aberdeen will lose players this summer, but Derek’s recruitment over the past few seasons has been top class and it’s hard to believe he won’t unearth another gem or two, as he has done in the past.

To be honest, Caixinha’s not in a position to talk about Aberdeen’s supposed shortcomings with any authority, because he’s only been two minutes in the country and won’t know all that much about them.

There will be those who think he should be focusing on his own team rather than commenting on the Dons.